The erect or drop ears
of the Papillon (Butterfly-Dog) is one aspect of breed type for this
small, friendly, fined boned, elegant toy dog that sets them apart
from other breeds of dogs. The first paragraph of the AKC Papillon
standard notes the “General Appearance” and places emphasis on
Papillon ears by saying, “distinguished from
other breeds by its beautiful butterfly-like ears”.

AKC Papillon Standard
"
Ears” - The ears of either the erect or drop type
should be large with rounded tips, and set on the sides and toward the
back of the head.

(1) Ears of the erect type
are carried obliquely and move like the spread wings of a butterfly.When alert,
each ear forms an angle of approximately 45 degrees
to the head. The leather should be of sufficient strength to maintain the
erect position.

(2) Ears of the drop type,
known as the Phalene, are similar to the erect type, but are carried
drooping and must be completely down.

Adjective:Situated in
a slanting position that is neither parallel nor perpendicular.

Correct Large Round Ears, Carried Oblique

Set
on the back of the head - means just that - not over the eyes and not
hanging down off the side of the head. “When
Alert”,
They should not look like an airplane! They should never look as if they
are going to touch or be set to HIGH on the head as if to conduct
electricity.

Faults
- Ears small, pointed,

Fault - one ear up, or ears partly down.

Fault – Ears set too high

Low Ear Set - Note:
even though the ears are set is below a
45°, there is no standard fault for a low ear set. My personal
opinion is if the ears “when alert” can not be pulled up to a
oblique 45° it is too low.

When alert :
All too often the
phrase “when alert” is forgotten. Remember when evaluating the
ear set the Key Words are “When Alert”

Ears
While Moving:

When
the Papillon is in Motion ears are mobile and can move at will. There is
no fault for ear carriage while moving.

Movement with Ears Forward

Movement with Ears Pulled Backward

Movement with One Ear Forward & One Ear Back.

Phalene Ears: If you would like to read about Phalene ears you can visit
Phalene Information and read the article
originally printed in the March 2003 issue of TNT.

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Ann Ford and Forevr Papillons.